Breast Revision in Anaheim Hills, CA

Breast augmentation using implants is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the U.S., and in most cases, it offers terrific outcomes. However, sometimes a woman can be unhappy with the results of her breasts and at some point may want a breast revision treatment. It is important to note not all revision treatments are because of doctor error. While few breast augmentations do end with an undesirable outcome, there are women who desire a larger or smaller implant while some may have a visible irregularity and would like to have the breast implant revised or removed altogether. Furthermore, some women need revision surgery for a unique condition. At Motakef Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, plastic surgeon Dr. Saba Motakef performs breast revision surgeries leading to excellent results. We encourage you to contact our Anaheim Hills, CA office to book your consultation.

There are multiple reasons why people opt for breast revision surgery in Anaheim Hills, CA at Motakef Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Whether they want to reimagine their look or address certain issues, breast revision surgery offers several great transformative benefits, including;

• Provides multiple treatment options
• Decreases or increases breast implant size
• Removes unwanted implants
• Replaces deflated or damaged implants
• Addresses problems like asymmetry, shifting, rippling, and more
• Corrects issues related to a previous surgery
• Improves the overall appearance of the breasts
• Removes scar tissue
• Enhances comfort
• Boosts confidence and self-image

Breast revision surgery can address a variety of problems and aesthetic concerns, like:

• Scar tissue
• Breast drooping
• Ripples under the skin
• Size differences between the breasts

Breast revision can help correct these irregularities and result in more pleasing, healthier-looking breasts. You can also improve aesthetic appeal, including:

• Changing implant size
• Changing implant style
• Addressing any other aesthetic concern

Breast implant removal surgery or explant surgery either takes out an implant that is ruptured or is no longer desired. Breast revision surgery may also be performed to change implant size or go from saline to silicone (or vice versa). There are a few other common situations where a revision treatment is warranted. 

Asymmetry occurs when the breast implants look disproportionate. This could be because of implant size, sagging on one side, or other conditions that would cause asymmetry. A physical examination would need to be done to determine what is leading to the asymmetry, and then a revision surgery would be planned and performed to resolve the problem. If desired, new implants could also be inserted to achieve a balanced look.

Bottoming out is a condition that may happen when one or both breasts drop too low or "bottom out." Sometimes, this is a case of a positioning error from the original surgical procedure. To fix this, a new placement approach may be needed. For some patients, fat grafting may be needed, as well as adjustments to the surgically created pocket to improve the position of the implant. In select cases, a breast lift may also be required.

Patients may also be dissatisfied with implants that fall laterally (towards their arm pits). In these situations, adjustments are often required to modify the breast implant pocket and move the implants into a better position. The addition of fat grafting to the breast can also improve cleavage in these situations.

Sometimes, breast revision surgery is as simple as getting a smaller or larger sized implant. With the original surgery, you may have decided that you went with a size that is either too small or big. A different breast implant size can be switched with the original to reach the desired outcome.

This is the term used for scar tissue hardening, occurring when the delicate tissue around the implant becomes hard and thickens. While all augmentations do create some scar tissue around the implant, most women will never realize this if the scar tissue remains soft and pliable. In some situations, the scar can thicken and become problematic. This could become painful or change the implant position, resulting in an undesirable outcome. Scar removal surgery to clean up and remove scarring would be necessary in these situations.

This condition occurs when there are visible wrinkles and ripples under the skin. This irregularity generally forms just along the edg of the implant. Rippling is more common in patients who are relatively thin. Often, this condition can be fixed by simply changing to a silicone breast implant. Sometimes, patients will require the implant pocket to also be changed. Fat grafting can also help reduce the visibility of the implant by adding more soft tissue to the breast.

Even though this is a rare occurrence, breast implant rupture may occur. If a saline breast implant ruptures, deflation will take place rather quickly. Because of this, a visible change will occur. On the other hand, if an implant made of silicone ruptures, it can lead to a capsular contracture, or form a "silent rupture" which is only detected through an MRI. Whether silicone or saline, when a rupture happens, a removal or replacement surgery will be needed.

Symmastia is a condition that happens when breast implants are placed too closely together. Most often, this is because the breast implant used was the wrong shape, size, and width. Breast revision surgery will correct this visible deformity by selecting an implant that fits your body type and looks pleasing to the eye. Often, smaller and narrower implants will be needed to correct symmastia, in addition to changes to the breast pocket.

Following your procedure and a brief observation period, you should be able to go home to begin your recovery. The recovery period varies, depending on the complexity of your surgery. Revision surgery that requires any type of reconstruction or grafting will incur a longer recovery, which could several weeks to several months. You should slowly start to see your surgical results when the swelling begins to disappear. Dr. Motakef or a member of his professional team will go over what should be expected while you recover, as well as tips to help you heal faster. You should also schedule your follow-up appointments as often as directed so Dr. Motakef can monitor your recovery and results.

How much does breast revision surgery cost?
In general, pricing can run anywhere from $8,000 - $15,000+ for these procedures. The cost of breast revision surgery will vary, depending on the complexity of your procedure and the specific procedures necessary to achieve your goals. During your consultation, Dr. Motakef will listen to your concerns and goals before completing a physical exam to assess your current implants. Then, he can discuss your choices before developing your treatment plan. The total cost of revision surgery will be based on the complexity of the procedure, plus your new implants and/or internal bra mesh, if this is used. As a way to help make your surgery easier to afford, Motakef Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery accepts multiple payment options, and we can give you information on low-interest medical financing.

What if Dr. Motakef wasn't my original surgeon?
Dr. Motakef can perform your revision surgery, even if he was not the surgeon who did your original breast augmentation. Revision surgery can be more complicated than augmentation if you want significant changes or have problems, which is why it's important to select a specialist, like Dr. Motakef, who has years of advanced training and experience in breast surgery. Dr. Motakef also welcomes his patients to return to our Anaheim Hills, CA facility for revision surgery after their implant surgery if they have an issue or would like new implants.

What about loose skin?
When you are getting your implants removed or are changing to a significantly smaller size of implants, you may want to have excess skin removed during your surgery. After hearing your goals and assessing your current implants, Dr. Motakef can discuss the need for a breast lift to remove sagging skin. If you lose a significant amount of weight, get pregnant, or breastfeed after augmentation surgery, a breast revision combined with a lift can help you get better results.

Will there be new scars?
Whenever possible, Dr. Motakef will try to make incisions for breast revision surgery in the original augmentation incisions. However, if this isn't possible, he will place the new incisions where they are least visible to perform your revision surgery. Dr. Motakef or a member of his team will go over scar care instructions so your new incisions heal flat and blend into your skin.

Do I have to change my implants?
While implants can last a long time, they will need to be replaced eventually. After augmentation, it's important to get your implants checked at least once a year to determine if your implants need to be exchanged. Even if your implants are intact, if you are undergoing revision surgery to make changes to your breasts for other reasons, you may want to consider the newest implant types and shapes to achieve a better outcome during breast revision surgery.

Breast revision surgery is a custom treatment tailored for your specific goals and needs by plastic surgeon Dr. Saba Motakef. If you notice a visible defect with your breast implants or desire a different or better result after undergoing breast augmentation, we invite you to contact our Anaheim Hills, CA office to book your appointment at Motakef Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. There are many factors to consider, and Dr. Motakef will perform a full physical exam, create a customized treatment plan with revision recommendations, and help set realistic expectations.